EPILOGUE
***For everyone who's been with me through this journey I say thank you. And we still have MANY more to come. I'm not dying or anything. At least I don't think. Anyways…. Enjoy!
Also holy begeezus! I had no idea this would turn out this long! But it was really important to me to get this right. Again, Enjoy :D***
Emma woke up extra early trying to make it up and out before Regina awakened. Normally Regina was up at the crack of dawn but with her pregnancy weighing her down she now woke up at a more normal time like normal people. Emma quickly turned off the pillow case alarm she had purchased for this day and rolled over to make sure that it hadn't wakened Regina.
When she looked over at Regina she was sleeping peacefully. The woman was beautiful even with her face scrubbed free of makeup first thing in the morning. Emma spent a few minutes just enraptured by the sight before her before she collected herself. She had a huge day planned for herself.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. She yawned widely and stretched her body. Then she padded down the hallway and into Henry's room. Henry was sleeping sprawled all over the bed. She nudged him awake by poking into his side, "Kid. Hey, kid," she whispered as she poked him repeatedly. Henry groaned and blinked his eyes open. Emma chuckled at his bed hair, "Come on get up. It's time."
Henry nodded but Emma still continued to stand there. She wanted to make sure his feet hit the floor before leaving him to his own devices. She chuckled again as he stretched and yawned, "I hate mornings too kid. But we gotta hurry before your Mom wakes up."
Henry nodded, stood, and began to make his way to the bathroom. Emma followed him out his door and went back into her room. She glanced at Regina as she walked in. She stood mesmerized at her beauty for countless seconds before she gathered herself. She needed to get the show on the road.
She performed her morning routine which started with brushing her teeth before jumping into a hot shower. She shampooed, conditioned, and washed then wrapped a towel around herself to finish up. When she exited the shower, the mirror was covered with fog. Emma chuckled as she left a little message for Regina. She stood back and examined her handiwork. This was going to be epic!
After she dried herself off she quickly got dressed. As she walked through her room on the way out, she wanted to give Regina a kiss. But the woman was such a light sleeper she was scared she'd wake her up. She'd already pushed her luck enough this morning. She instead settled for blowing her a kiss from the doorway before leaving. She rounded up Henry who'd finished his own morning routine and hurried him out the door.
Henry and Emma quickly ran around town getting things set up. Then they stopped at Granny's for breakfast before Emma dropped him off to school. When they pulled up to the school Emma looked over at Henry before he got out of the car. "Remember kid you're spending the night with your grandparents. You'll go home with your grandmother right after classes."
"I know, I know," Henry got out of the car and began to put his backpack on his shoulders. He held onto the shoulder straps as he smiled at Emma, "We're finally going to be a real family, aren't we?"
Emma grinned at him, "That's the plan, Stan."
Henry grinned back at her and waved. He closed the door just as she yelled out, "Have a great day today! And remember, if she tries to call or text you, you don't know anything."
Henry saluted her to let her know that he heard before walking off with a classmate into the building. Emma watched him go with excitement and happiness bubbling in her chest. She put the car in drive and headed out.
She stopped at the florist and stood looking around confused. She understood you brought a woman roses on Valentine's Day and whatever her favorite flower was occasionally to help make her day better but what do you bring to someone whom you've never met? She walked past the lilies that she knew were Regina's favorites in search of something manlier.
"Can I help you?" the florist offered as she walked to Emma's side.
Emma was frowning at the rows of flowers in front of her, "are there any manly flowers here?"
The florist chuckled. "Flowers are unisex. People normally buy them by occasion. What's your occasion?"
Emma turned to the florist with a bright smile on her face, "I'm getting engaged but they're not for her. They're for her Father."
She turned up her nose at the first few things the florist offered. They were all too feminine. Finally she saw the perfect bouquet. They were green and white St Patrick's Day roses. They had a beautiful scent and look that had the right amount of masculinity yet still said I'm honoring you. They were perfect.
She grabbed one more bouquet of purple roses for Regina then went to the front to be rang up. The florist rang her up and she had just stepped outside when she got the first text from Regina. She chuckled at it as she made her way to her car and then sent off a quick reply. Now that she knew Regina had only just started she knew she needed to get a move on so that she could put the finishing touches on her surprise.
She got out the car and walked over to the Mills Mausoleum. She had been fine until she stood in front of the door that led inside. Then her nerves began to start up so she stopped and took a deep breath. She steeled herself and then walked inside.
The mausoleum was kept up beautifully. Regina still visited weekly and when she came home she needed some alone time. To Emma it was a little creepy. But if it made her feel better then she was fine with it.
She knew the crypts were empty. And the names ingrained on them were merely decorative. Still a chill ran down her spine as it did everytime she'd stepped foot in here.
Emma hadn't been brought up to follow religion and from what she'd observed neither had anyone from Fairy Tale Land. But they did believe in their traditions. And she felt coming here would be her way of honoring that.
Emma walked up to the crypt that had Henry Sr. stenciled on it in elegant script. She laid the flowers in the conical vase that was to the right of it, "Hi Sir," she said as she stepped back. "I know you don't know me. Well aside from Regina complaining about me and all. I'm not sure what she's told you about me but my name is Emma. I'm her baby Mama," Emma chuckled then caught herself.
Emma clasped her hands in front of her and stood stock still for a second allowing that one to wash over. "Regina and I are both parents to a boy," her face split in two as she beamed at the thought of her family. "Your grandson actually. She named him Henry after you as I'm sure you already know. And we have one more on the way. A girl. We haven't confirmed that yet but I know it will be. Because once Henry did a spell and Regina turned into a little girl and we called her Gigi and I know that Gigi's coming back to us," Emma knew she was starting to ramble and she took a deep breath to steady herself.
"The thing is I love your daughter sir. And I want to marry her. Because I don't want her with anyone but me and I don't want to be with anyone but her. But I'm not completely sure how she'll feel about it all. I know Daniel was her true love," Emma's hand flicked out towards Daniel's tomb. She shook her head and turned back to Henry. "And I know Leopold wasn't – well good to her at all," Emma shuffled her feet.
Although Regina rarely talked about either of them Emma had heard enough, seen enough, and still had to occasionally hold Regina through nightmares about Leopold that she felt she had a good grip on the things that had been left out of Henry's book.
Emma threw her head back and popped out a kink. She rolled her shoulders and shuffled her feet before holding herself still again. "But I'm not like that. I love your daughter sir. And I'm her new true love," she turned to Daniel's tomb. "No offense I hope," then she tuned back to Henry's, "It's how we made a baby together since we're both women. I don't know if you're homophobic or not but I would hope not because Regina's really happy now. And I swear that I just want to keep making her happy from now until forever. So I'm asking for your blessing of her hand in marriage."
Emma exhaled loudly glad that she had finished her speech. She stood staring at the tomb in front of her waiting for – something. When time dragged on she nodded, "Right. I'm going to take the lack of lightning to mean that I have your agreement. I don't mean to drop a bombshell on you and dash but I really gotta go. I still have some finishing touches to take care of. Goodbye sir."
Emma turned and hurried out of the mausoleum. She made her way to the car. She knew it was weird. But she really had gotten a good vibe from this. She winked up at the clear blue sky before getting into her car. The forecast had been for rain this morning. And it had been foggy and patchy out earlier. But now there was nothing but pure sunshine raining down on her. She grinned, "Thanks Henry," she screamed up to the heavens. She jumped into her car still grinning, "I'm glad that's over," she muttered as she started up her car and drove off.
RQ
It was an hour or so later when Regina had awakened to an empty house. Emma had begun taking Henry to school in the mornings so this wasn't unusual.
But after Regina stepped out of the shower she knew this was going to be no ordinary day. She found a message on the mirror that had been revealed after her shower. It had been etched into the steam on the mirror. It read:
I have hands but I do not clap. If you look at the numbers on my face you won't find thirteen anyplace. Now come to find me and I'll point you to your next stop.
Regina instantly recognized the riddle. It was obviously a clock. She really didn't want to get dragged into Emma's little games this morning. But she had been falling asleep really early and working really late. She felt she owed it to Emma to try and be a good sport about it. She sighed then began to look around the house at all of the clocks but found nothing.
She shot Emma over a text. There's nothing on any of the clocks here.
Emma instantly answered her. I never said anything about clocks inside the house. And that's the only clue I'm going to give to you. Stop cheating and go out and find your prize.
Regina studied the text in her hand. She shot her back another text. You could just tell me what this is all about. When she received no answer back she stood and concentrated. She'd allow Emma to have her little game. If she'd gone to the trouble of setting it up then Regina could at least show her support by pretending this was acceptable.
She stood downstairs and looked around. She went back through the text again. Obviously this wasn't a clock in the house. There was only one other prominent clock that came to mind. She got dressed quickly and went to find her next clue.
When she got to the clock tower she found a purple envelope on the door. She opened it and found another card that read:
When you get to the place that has many stories. You will need to find the person whose name matches this to get your next clue:
Has a mouth,
but cannot drink.
Has a head,
but cannot think.
Has a tongue,
but not a lung.
Some are held
and some are hung
Regina stared at this clue for a moment stumped. This was Storybrooke. There were no tall buildings here so a place with many stories was out. Her house was the biggest home in town so that didn't fit either. She decided to ignore it and go on with the next clue. She walked onto the sidewalk tapping the card against her chin as she thought the clue over. Finally, she got it. A bell. She needed Belle who worked in the library. A place with many stories.
She hurried over to the library and looked around. It was obviously too early for anyone but a few older patrons. Aside from that the place was almost empty. When she couldn't spot Belle, she walked over to the desk and rang the bell.
"Ahh!" Belle exclaimed as she came out from behind some bookshelves. "I was wondering when you were going to show up," Belle smiled over at her. "Can I help you with something?"
Regina pursed her lips together. "I know you have the next clue," she held out her hand. Regina waited for her to hand it over with a smug expression on her face.
Belle tilted her head and narrowed her gaze at her. Then she burst out with a giggle. She pulled a card from out of her pocket. "Have a good one," she waved her away with a huge grin.
She grabbed the small purple envelope greedily and pulled out the next card. Regina barely gave her a passing glance as she read this one:
Get to the place that starts with p and ends with e.
It has thousands of letters.
Hurry, hurry, there's no time to waste.
Regina rolled her eyes at the clue. This one was simple enough. The post office obviously. She quickly walked down to the building. Unfortunately the clue was nowhere in sight. She looked all around inside and asked all the postal workers who stared at her as if she had gone mad. She walked out feeling frustrated. She was so sure. It was such an easy clue.
As she stood outside the post office she saw a flash of purple taped to the statue that sat out front. She rolled her eyes as she climbed up and grabbed the envelope from the statue's outstretched hand. She exhaled a deep breath as she jumped back down again. This scavenger hunt was getting on her last nerve. She really had other things to do.
She tore open the envelope and pulled out the next clue. This one read:
Get to the place where these all live.
This is what some people do,
For a compliment or two,
Anglers do it on a bank,
Others keep theirs in a tank.
What am I?
The anglers part was easy. Obviously anglers fish. Regina quickly made her way down to the docks. As she walked she shot Emma another text. You really could've just made this easier and told me to meet you somewhere. I'm getting tired already.
Emma shot back with; where would the fun in that be? Quit whining. Anyway it's good exercise and you've been falling asleep at 9. Even infants don't sleep that early. I think your body will thank you for it later.
Regina's huffing and the ache in her back and feet begged to differ. She made it to the docks and looked around wondering where the next clue was going to be hidden. Finally she spotted the purple envelope on a lamp post. It read:
Follow this:
I am a word with six letters.
My motto is together as one.
If you remove my first and second letters, you can wear me.
If you remove my third letter I can be painful.
If you remove my second, third and sixth letters, Adam & Eve did it.
If you remove my second and third letters, you do this using your mouth.
What am I?
And you will find me on one of these:
For some, I am used to get around.
I never even touch the ground.
Sometimes I fall and sometimes I float,
If I'm in the air, then take note.
What am I?
Regina loved the sound of that. No more running around the town. Since they were at the docks she automatically assumed the last was a boat. But being at the dock meant tons of boats. She had no choice but to crack the first one.
Since coming to this land she'd educated herself on everything. She'd heard all the myths and legends from here. She had some knowledge of the bible and religions. She had even read the bible, the Torah, and the Koran. She was familiar with the tale of Adam and Eve. They were the first people to sin. Regina had scoffed at the notion the first time she'd read through the book. Once she'd figured out sin the next part was easy. You sing with your mouth. She just couldn't crack the others. That was until she looked up and saw that there was some purple and blue intertwined string that had been tied around the lamp posts that were spread out amongst the docks.
She followed the string until she came to a medium sized boat. At the end of the string was another purple envelope. She opened the envelope and read through the final clue.
Where do hopes go up? And pennies come down? And both meet to make a splash?
Regina stared at the clue with a frown on her face while she turned it over. Then she shook her head and conjured up her magic.
SMF
Emma breathlessly made her way over to the spot she had picked for the final rendezvous with Regina. She'd taken the car straight here and ran through red lights to give herself a bigger lead. She figured that would give her time to set things up before Regina got there.
But when she made her way to the spot, her jaw dropped. "Wha- ? You cheated!"
Regina had been waiting for Emma for only a minute or two but she didn't want to tell her that. She rose from the rim of the well where she had just had a seat to give herself some time off of her feet. She raised an eyebrow in her direction, "I merely employed more expedient measures than you dear. What's that?" she asked indicating the basket and blanket that Emma carried in her arms and hand.
"Well you ruined the surprise," Emma grumbled.
"I'm sorry dear," Regina reached up and kissed her on her cheek. "But you were the one who turned it into a competition. And I never lose!"
"Well, I need time to set up. You were supposed to be behind me," Emma grumbled even as she leaned into the kiss. "Go over there and cover your eyes."
Regina glared at her. "This had better be good."
Emma grinned at her while nodding, "It's better than good. It'll be epic."
Regina walked a few paces away and turned her back to Emma, "Just make it quick."
Emma quickly got down to work. She laid out the blanket she'd brought and set out the glasses and some nonalcoholic champagne. She grabbed the sparkling juice and took off the foil wrapper before opening it and placing it into a bucket of ice. Then she pulled out croissants, butter, and a plate that held small pots of different jams. She placed the plate containing fruit, crudités, crackers, and cheese beside it. Then she laid out the cutlery and dishes neatly before turning toward the imported chocolates that Regina loved and placed them on a plate in the shape of a heart. She added strawberries to the outer and inner sides. She checked to make sure that she'd gotten everything and nodded at her handiwork. It looked nice even if she did say so herself. "Okay! You can look now!" she called out to her lover.
Regina walked back over to the makeshift picnic. She smiled at her girlfriend's crude handiwork. "Aw Emma it's - ."
But she never got to finish the sentence. When she looked back over at Emma she was down on one knee. She held a ring in between her fingers.
Emma was nervous. But it was now or never. This was her forever and she didn't want to waste another second of it. "Regina Maria Mills I love you more than I've loved anyone in my entire life. Even more than I love myself. Even though it was hard in the beginning there was still always something pulling us closer to one another. Even while we were fighting and I convinced myself I hated everything about you, you consumed my every waking thought. And that's what you are to me. A blazing hot fire that burns eternally, a burning magnificence," she stared into the large brown orbs that could shoot fire and burn her on the spot with a blinding glare when she was angry. Or turn into lava spewing from a volcano at the drop of a hat when she was enraged. Or one look could make you melt from the inside out as you dove into pools of chocolate that made you want to fall into them and never come up, "Since we've been together I've felt a happiness that I never even knew was possible. If you let me I hope I can make you as happy as you've made me. So will you marry me?" Emma asked hopefully.
Emma licked her lips nervously as Regina just stared at the ring in her hand saying nothing. Her heart began to beat rapidly inside her ribcage, "I know that you don't believe in marriage after - ," she heard Regina's breath catch as she looked away from her and into the forest. "But you're not that young girl anymore and I'm not him. I love you and I know that you love me." Regina's tear pebbled eyes swung back toward Emma. Emma got to her feet and walked slowly over to Regina careful not to crowd her. She stopped a hairs breadth away from her. "You are my forever," she whispered as she laid a loving hand along Regina's cheek.
Regina instantly leaned into the caress. She placed her hand on top of Emma's, "and you're mine," she whispered as she stared into her eyes.
Emma smiled shyly, "is that a yes?" she asked with her eyes filled with hope and her heart which was already thumping so loud she knew Regina had to be able to hear it began to beat even faster.
"Yes my love," Regina finally leaned in and pressed their lips together.
Emma gave a 'whoop!' and lifted Regina into her arms. Regina yelped and then began to laugh as she wrapped her arms loosely around her neck. Emma swung them around a few times. When she stopped, Regina leaned down and fused their lips together. Emma gave a small moan as she lowered Regina down to the ground. She pressed her tongue against her lips begging to be let inside and moaned again when Regina acquiesced.
When they pulled back they were both breathless. Emma grinned at Regina, "You're gonna be my wifey."
Regina rolled her eyes, "I guess I am," she answered before giving her a quick peck. Her arms were still linked behind Emma's neck and the peck quickly escalated into a deeper kiss.
Emma didn't want to but she knew they had forever for what came next. She pulled out of Regina's arms gently. She held her hand with fingers that were slightly trembling as she slipped the ring onto her finger. Then she leaned down and kissed her hand before straightening up and pressing another kiss to her lips. "Come on. Let's eat," she said as she pulled her over to the feast she'd set up for them. She motioned for Regina to have a seat. When she did Emma sat close at her side not wanting to be apart from her just yet.
They served themselves and began to eat. Neither were in a hurry to break the silence. But it was fine. The silence was filled with the two of them giggling as they fed each other bits here and there in between stolen kisses to each other's lips.
After their hunger had been sated Emma began to pick up the remnants of their meal.
"I have to say," Regina rested her head in her hand as she lounged back. She stretched her legs out as Emma moved the last of their dishes and the basket onto the ledge of the well. "I actually enjoyed the scavenger hunt."
Emma grinned before she hurried to join her. She mirrored her pose before draping an arm over Regina's tiny waist. She slowly ran her hand up and down her back, "Henry helped a lot actually. With the riddles and all."
Regina quirked an eyebrow, "well I guess that means we don't have to bother to tell him we're engaged."
Emma flicked her wrist at her, "he's growing up Regina. He's a big boy now."
Regina groaned, "don't jinx it! The end will come all too soon."
Emma moved her hand from her back to her front gently rubbing her small but still there Buddha belly, "we still have this one. And we can have lots more too. I wouldn't mind a whole football team."
Regina snorted and threw her head back, "not unless you're carrying them dear."
Emma shook her head, "Nope. I want all our babies to look like you. And dark hair and eyes dominate in the gene pool."
Regina's forehead furrowed, "but genetics is strange. You can have red hair from a distant great grandparent that you never even knew turn up out of nowhere. "
Emma flicked her wrist at her, "That hardly happens. Anyway, I know she's going to look just like you," Emma nodded her confidence.
Regina's eyebrows rose to her hairline, "How do you know it's a she? Right now she's the size and shape of a bean. And what if she turns out looking like you?"
Emma scooted closer to Regina. She leaned over and placed a kiss on her lips. "I wouldn't worry about that." By the time she drew back, they were breathless again.
After their breathing steadied, Emma sat up then helped Regina to do the same. "I don't know about you but I could use a little fusion time. But – actually – you know – in our bed." Emma looked around her, "I mean – I wouldn't mind. But there's critters out here and all," she crinkled up her nose.
Regina chuckled before her face took on a devilish gleam. She narrowed her eyes at Emma, "Last one there has to top," and with that, she snapped her fingers in the air poofing herself away.
"Hey!" Emma cried out. "Cheater!" she yelled out to the empty forest. She jumped up and began to gather the remnants of their picnic. She refolded the blanket and draped it over her arm as she grabbed the picnic basket and ran for her car.
Emma drove home as quickly as she could. She grabbed the basket and blanket and ran into the house even though she knew she'd already lost. She ran to the back of the house. She dumped the blanket on the laundry room floor and left the basket sitting atop the kitchen counter. Then she made her way upstairs peeling off her clothing as she went.
She walked in with nothing on but a grin on her face but then sighed at the scene in front of her. Regina was also wearing nothing. But she was asleep. Again.
She climbed into the bed as gently as she could but she still managed to rouse her.
"Emma?" Regina's voice was thick with sleep. She blinked a few times as Emma settled herself in the bed. "Oh babe, I'm so sorry. It's just the sun was so hot and I got tired lying here and - ."
Emma cut her off with a kiss. "It's okay. I get you're tired." Emma grabbed the duvet on the end of the bed and covered them both with it. Then she wrapped her arms around Regina and laid her head next to hers on the pillow. "It's okay. I'm not mad."
Regina's body began to relax again and her breathing deepened once more. Suddenly her body jerked and stiffened again but Emma calmed her down. She moulded her body around Regina's and held her close, "It's okay. This is my favorite part anyway." She pressed a kiss to her forehead as Regina then she drifted back off again.
SMF
A few weeks' later Regina and Emma were set to be married in a small ceremony in the backyard. Ruby had gone online and gotten her license to officiate as soon as she first saw Regina's engagement ring. It was going to be a small, beautiful service just the way that Regina wanted it.
While Emma was down the hall getting ready, Regina sat just finishing up at her vanity. She was putting white and purple calla lilies in hair to help accentuate her braided updo. Granny and Ruby had both been there earlier to help her out but with the butterflies flittering in her stomach and Ruby trying to tart her up with excessive makeup on her wedding day, she'd put her foot down and sent them both away.
She had attacked the wedding planning with her usual concentration to details. Although it was under control she couldn't help but worry.
Regina's previous wedding to Leopold had involved her being held up and stared at as some sort of spectacle. So instead of ostentation and nosy looky lous, she had given out verbal invitations to only those who mattered. This wedding to Emma was to be about the love that they had between them being witnessed by only friends and family who all felt the same happiness for the two of them.
It was to be a nighttime ceremony with soft lighting followed by a dinner reception. Their chosen colors had been white and purple. Night blooming flowers had been especially delivered from the outside world. Regina had spent days observing the placement of seats, lights, tables, and flowers. Emma's contribution had been to show up to help taste test the food and cake. David would walk Emma down the aisle and Henry would be the one to walk Regina down the aisle.
Snow and David had come around in the past couple of months. They were still as annoying and useless as ever but Regina had been glad for Emma's sake. Seemed no matter how old Emma was she still had that little orphan girl inside of her that craved her parents love and approval. Though Regina could've done without them she knew how important this was to Emma so she'd gritted her teeth and kept all of her extemporaneous comments to herself. Well most of the time anyway. Snow still had a habit of pushing her buttons.
The door opened without a knock and Regina rolled her eyes as Snow came into her view. "Speak of the devil," she sighed then turned toward Snow. "Still haven't learned to knock on closed doors after all this time huh Snow? You showing some manners and respecting other people's boundaries and privacy just seems too big a task for your little head to wrap around."
Snow ignored the comment and continued stomping her way toward Regina. "Emma's done getting ready and I came to see if you needed any help," she picked up the next flower and began inserting it into the intricate braids, twists, and curls hairstyle that Regina had decided to go with for her hair.
Regina slapped her hands away, "get your damned hands off of me Snow. I can do this on my own."
Snow slapped Regina's hands down harder, "So can I! Since this is your wedding day, you're allowed to have someone to wait on you and help you feel special." When Regina sat still and ceased interfering Snow continued her ministrations. "Emma's so beautiful. Just wait until you see her. She almost looks like a real live princess."
"Well, technically I guess she is a real live princess," Regina muttered.
"I can't believe you're marrying my daughter!" Snow exclaimed loudly.
Regina narrowed her eyes at Snow when they met in the mirror. She sat up straight and twisted around on the vanity bench, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Snow pushed her shoulder and forced her to turn back around. "It doesn't mean anything but what I said. I can't believe you're marrying my daughter. Or having a baby with her. I have to say I spent a lot of time thinking about what the two of us would look like after all the fighting and war between us was over but I never saw this coming."
Regina bristled but then she relented not wanting to cause a scene that would escalate and upset her bride, "Neither did I," she couldn't stop the chuckle that snuck past her lips.
"There. All done now," Snow chirped cheerily.
Regina turned her head to either side to inspect the job that she'd done.
"You're beautiful," Snow said as she leaned behind Regina. She dropped her head onto her shoulder and smiled at her reflection. She squealed as she squeezed Regina's shoulders.
Regina rolled her eyes but still found herself falling into Snow's gaze. The two shared shy, and on Regina's part reluctant, smiles as – some type of feeling flowed between them.
There was a knock on the door before Henry called out, "Can I come in now?"
"Of course," Regina called out breaking the spell between her and Snow.
Snow blushed and stepped back as Regina turned on the vanity bench. "I'll go and check on Emma again," she muttered as she walked past Henry. She squeezed his arm on the way out, "We're going to have so much fun!" she told him in reference to the next two weeks.
Regina and Emma would spend the night at home. Then in the morning they would head out to the airport for a two week long honeymoon in Europe. Henry would be staying with his grandparents while they were gone.
Regina's eyes lit up at the sight of her young prince. He wore a white tuxedo with a dark purple bow tie and cummerbund. He was turning into quite a dashing young man. She swore he'd grown at least half a foot in just the time she'd been gone. She opened her arms up to him as he sat on the bench beside her. She pressed their foreheads together before cupping his cheeks and sitting back, "You look so handsome my prince."
Henry chuckled and blushed. He swung his feet out nervously, "You look really beautiful Mom. Just like a real Queen."
"Ahh," Regina cooed. She pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek. "I'm sorry I've been too busy to really check in with you. How are you feeling about all of this?" she asked as she wiped her lipstick off his cheek.
Henry beamed, "I love it! I mean – we're going to be a real family. And we're going to have Gigi back. But you're going to be there too Mom which makes it even better. I really missed you while you were gone," Henry confided quietly.
Regina was still at a loss to explain the whole Gigi saga. If it wasn't for the pictures and videos on Emma's phone she'd swear she was being pranked. Still, it had brought their family together.
Before she could respond Granny rapped on the door sharply. "It's time," she said as she stuck her head around the door.
Henry and Regina rose and stared at one another. Regina gave Henry another hug before he held his arm out to her. Granny hurried away as the opening chords to music played.
Emma and David were set to walk downstairs and down the aisle first. Regina and Henry would follow behind.
Regina waited nervously until her cue to begin walking came. Then she and Henry exchanged excited grins before making their way downstairs and out the back door.
As they stepped out, Regina couldn't help but to congratulate herself. It had turned out beautifully. She straightened her back as she walked regally forward as her Mother had taught her to do. Though everyone was standing as they walked down the aisle, she only had eyes on Emma.
Emma, her beautiful soon-to-be wife was radiant in a simple dress that had an understated elegance. It was strapless with an embellished bodice. She'd borrowed Regina's jewelry to accessorize. She wore a simple platinum chain that held an emerald green stone in the shape of a heart around her neck with matching dangling earrings. They made her eyes appear even greener. Her hair was half pulled back with princess curls that fell around her face and shoulders. It was embellished with flowers that matched Regina's. But the sparkle that lit up her skin was all her. She was iridescent. Regina couldn't take her eyes off of her.
Regina herself had also gone with a simple yet elegant dress. There were thin spaghetti straps with light beading below the bustline. The waistline went in before flaring out again over her thin hips. There was enough room to cover her baby bump. If she held her bouquet over her midsection it was hardly noticeable. The train had intricate lace artwork threaded throughout it. Granny had given her a handkerchief that was tucked away in her bosom for something borrowed. The Vera Wang dress covered something new, her shoes were an old pair of Louboutin heels, and her garter belt and undies covered the something blue part.
She barely noticed anyone else as she completed her turn walking down the aisle. Her heart was pounding so hard and her ears were ringing so loud she barely registered Henry and David answering Ruby asking who was giving them away. She was a little unsettled as Henry dropped her arm to make his way to his seat. But then Emma reached out and grabbed her hand and it took all of her willpower to focus on taking deep breaths to calm herself as she locked her gaze onto hers and tuned out everything else.
They had forgone writing their own vows. They both feared being too emotional to get through them so Ruby had prepared something for them. And they had been right to. They both were too choked up to do anything but wait to squeak out I do's through their choked throats. They then took turns slipping the rings Henry brought up onto one another's fingers with trembling hands.
They barely acknowledged the tears making their way down their faces as Ruby nudged them both and whispered, "It's over. You two can kiss now."
Emma reached up and used her thumb to wipe her tears away, "Don't cry," she pushed out past the lump in her throat.
"Only happy tears today my love," Regina said before reaching up to do the same to her new wife. She locked her arms around her neck as Emma leaned forward and kissed her bride.
As everyone began to clap Emma pulled away, "only happy tears from now until forever." Emma's heart soared as she saw the love and joy that was flooding throughout her shining back at her through the eyes of her love.
SMF
5 Months Later
Regina's hand tightened around Emma's as she gave a final push. Emma kissed the sweaty mess that was the crown of her head as she tried to hold back a scream. Regina may have been petite but the woman was awfully strong. She was sure she'd cracked the bones in her hand.
A cry was heard through the room and Emma dropped Regina's hand and ran down to the end of the bed. She put her hands on her hips and stepped back. She stared at their steadily squawking daughter, "Huh? How'd that happen?"
"What? What's wrong?" Regina cried out. Emma just continued to stare dumbfounded at their baby. The doctor didn't seem to be panicked. Still, Regina's heart stopped as she tried to interpret the expression on Emma's face. "What is it!?" she cried out again.
"Do you want to cut the umbilical cord Mom?" the doctor handed the scissors over to Emma.
Emma's face changed from confused to nervous as she realized what she was being asked to do. She took the scissors in trembling hands and snipped where the doctor indicated. Emma, Regina, and the baby were immediately fitted with security bracelets for the remainder of their stay there. The nurse grabbed up the baby and began to clean her up with a towel. She quickly wrapped her in a blanket and brought her over to be weighed and measured.
While the nurse tended to the baby, Emma pulled out her phone and began snapping pics. She sent a few of them onto her parents, Ruby, Granny, and Henry who were all sitting out in the waiting room. Isabella Esmeralda Swan Mills is here! Read the caption she sent with the pics.
Emma grinned seeing her name written out. She was the one who'd named her. Isabella because she knew she would be beautiful and it was a name fit for a Queen. Esmeralda always made her think of jewels. And that's what Isa was to her. A beautiful precious jewel.
"WHAT IS GOING ON?!" Regina shouted. Everyone, including Emma, continued to ignore her as if she wasn't even there. She felt the tugs down below from the doctor continuing his work. She'd had an epidural but she still felt everything. Her attention diverted to ignoring the pain while she continued to worry about her baby.
"This is going to sting some," the doctor said.
Regina hissed and held her breath as the pains from the after birth and the doctor's ministrations continued. She watched as the nurse handed her baby over to Emma.
Emma stood staring at her baby with tears coursing down her face. She kissed the top of her head and lowered her face into the wrapped bundle.
She heard the nurse suggesting that the Mother might want to see her baby. Emma nodded and walked slowly over to Regina. She presented the bundle to her. "Isa."
Regina's eyes were glued to the sight of her baby squawking away. Her little legs and fists were flailing all around. She was obviously not happy. And she'd obviously developed her brunette Mother's temper. She needed the world to hear her wrath at being disturbed.
They stood staring at her as Regina's own tears mingled with Emma's who was standing at her shoulder. When Emma put the bundle onto her chest the baby instantly calmed down. Regina looked over to Emma with a small chuckle. "Isa," she nodded.
The baby had Emma's mercurial green eyes and dimples. But she had Regina's dark hair that was already showing a bit of a curl to it. Hers was standing on end perfectly spiked. She was a perfect blend of both her Moms. And she was the most beautiful baby girl they'd ever set eyes on. The two smiled at one another.
Emma had been so thrilled to learn the baby was a girl. She'd grinned triumphantly at Regina as the doctor had announced the baby's sex at the ultrasound. She was certain Gigi was coming back to her. And her obsession with Gigi no longer bothered Regina. They'd talked about it and decided they'd let sleeping dogs lie.
They'd discussed Gigi a lot. Emma had been positive the baby would come out looking exactly like Regina. Regina had been equally adamant that whether the baby did or didn't she would not be Gigi. And she didn't want that expectation hanging over her daughter's head. She'd finally talked about the vial that would restore Gigi's memories to her but had also went on to say that she no longer wanted nor needed those.
She was not Gigi. And she never would be. She didn't have that happy childhood. And it would serve no purpose for her to regain those memories. In the end, she'd flushed the vial down the toilet and instead concentrated on making memories with her newly formed family.
Emma had confided in Regina about her secret search for a sperm donor. Regina had been floored. She hadn't been thinking that far into their future. But it seemed Emma always had.
Emma had also been more into the preparations than Regina had. Although Regina did retain the right to a final veto. But there hadn't been any need for it. Emma had done well decorating the room in pinks, purples, blues, white, and silver. It looked like a wonderland and had come out perfect.
She'd even asked Granny to show her how to knit. She'd spent Regina's entire pregnancy putting together a blanket for the baby. It was a little crude and misshapen but it was still adorable. It was white like Emma's but instead of a blue ribbon, Isa's had a purple ribbon around it.
"She's perfect," Regina whispered as she placed her finger in her daughter's palm. Her hand instantly closed around it like a venus flytrap. Isa turned her head toward her Mother while making sucking motions with her mouth. Regina and Emma both chuckled. "She's obviously got your appetite," Regina teased.
"And my good looks," Emma boasted as she ran a loving finger down her daughter's dimpled cheek eliciting a ghost of a smile from her daughter. When Isa couldn't find the sustenance she was seeking she began to cry again, "and your temper."
The nurse suggested that Regina have a seat while they went about having her bed remade. She also brought in some toiletries for after Isa's first feeding. She offered to have someone come by to help with breastfeeding tips if necessary but Regina declined. She'd taken Lamaze classes and devoured almost every book she came across that involved parenting and having a baby. The nurse let her know that if she needed anything to let her know. Then she left the happy couple to their own devices.
Regina sat in the armchair provided and pulled at the neckline of her hospital gown. Emma reached behind her to untie it. Regina then tugged the collar down exposing her breast. She held her daughter close to her chest again. Immediately Isa latched on and began to suckle. Regina hissed lightly. "Slow down baby," she pulled Isa away and then repositioned her. This time, she guided her nipple into her mouth herself.
After their daughter had had her fill, Regina handed the baby and her diaper over to Emma to burp. She retied the hospital gown around her neck. Then she rose on unsteady feet and stood watch as Emma sat with a glow that shone from within as she burped their baby. Emma laughed out loud as Isa gave her a burp that rivaled her Ma's.
Emma's glow only grew brighter as she nodded, "that's my girl!" she yelled proudly.
Regina rolled her eyes before collecting the pads and mesh underwear the nurse had provided. Then she rooted through her own bag that had been packed for the past couple of months that contained items she'd been told were essential for herself and the baby. She pulled out a robe, nightgown, soap, towel, washcloth and slippers for herself and a onesie, cap, socks, pamper, powder, towel, washcloth, baby wash and shampoo, and blanket for their daughter. Then she pulled the cord for the nurse's station.
"You need some help in there?" the nasally disembodied voice boomed through the speaker.
"Yes. I'm on my way to have a bath," she informed the nurse as she'd been asked to do before she and the doctor had left the LDRP suite.
"I'll be right there," the nurse answered.
Emma clumsily got to her feet as the nurse walked in. She smiled at Isa before turning to her brunette Mother. "Would you like help bathing the baby first and then yourself?"
"I've already done this before. But if you show us where everything else I can take it from there."
The nurse nodded cheerily. Emma and Regina followed her into the bathroom. She reached underneath the cabinet and pulled out a baby bathtub. "Was there anything else you needed?" she asked as she placed it across the sink.
"I think we're fine from here," Regina smiled at her as she began to draw the baby's bath. While the water ran she got out everything they'd need to get her dressed again before presenting her to the rest of the family on the counter.
Emma had been babbling away to her baby when Regina let her know that her bath was ready. Emma stood nervously for a second before looking at the bathtub and giving an audible gulp. She smacked her lips together before moistening them with her tongue. She moved toward the counter with fear oozing from her. Regina thought it was the most adorable sight she'd ever seen.
She had her slide her gently into the water. Then she took over from there. Although she ensured that Emma stay close while she bathed their baby so that she could do it herself the next time.
"She's such a princess," she said with a smile as she watched Isa's face light up from the feel of the warm water and soap washing her up.
"Yes, she is," Emma instantly agreed. "Thank you for giving her to me."
Regina's eyes were full of love as she leaned over and gave Emma a quick peck, "I feel the exact same way you do my love."
Isa's eyes began to blink slower and slower. Regina quickly finished washing her up and rinsing her off. She lifted her out of the tub and onto the counter to dry, pamper, and clothe her. Emma stood next to her handing over the items as needed.
They were able to get the baby wrapped back up before she fell asleep. Regina handed her back to Emma. "I'm going to try out that hot tub," she said as she stretched. The stress of the past 18 hours catching up to her fast.
"Don't fall asleep in there," Emma warned as she walked out of the bathroom with her baby.
Regina turned on the taps and prepared herself a bath. While the water ran she poked at the gelatinous mess that was her belly. She made a face at the new stretch marks before straightening up with her head raised high. She had just had a baby.
She hissed as the water lapped at her nether regions. She knew she'd be sore for some time to come. But with Isa in her arms the awareness of the pains had instantly dissolved. She was a Mother now. That was something she'd never even dreamed possible. And yet her battle scars proved differently.
It was something she'd gone to extremes to avoid as Leopold's wife. She'd cursed her own womb just to ensure that there would be no way she'd carry that demon's seed within in. And then the love that flowed between herself and Emma had overpowered the curse and blessed her womb with a beautiful baby girl.
There were many things she'd come to regret in this life. But taking her happiness with a beautiful wife she adored and building herself a home and family she was proud of made all the sacrifices she'd endured worth it to get to where she was now.
She quickly finished washing and dried herself off after she'd felt herself slipping into a comfortable oblivion. She'd been scared she'd actually fall asleep in there.
When she went back into the LDRP suite, the room was crowded. She had to step around the idiots who were busy cooing over her baby before she could make it to her bed.
She climbed in next to Henry who was busy with the remote and the bed controls. She commandeered both before shoving him over enough to wrap an arm underneath him and pull him in close again.
"Ruby and Granny had to get going. They said they'd be by later. But I had my parents bring ya something," Emma kissed her cheek before sliding her table tray over to her. She had gotten Regina a large chocolate shake, 2 orders of fries and 2 burgers for herself.
Regina's mouth watered and her tummy grumbled. She hadn't eaten since before she'd gone into labor around 10 the night before. It was now almost noon. "Hmm," Regina hummed appreciatively as she munched on a fry. She turned to Henry, "What did you think of your sister?"
"I only held her for a minute," he shrugged. "Grandma and Grandpa have been holding her the rest of the time."
Regina wrinkled her nose but said nothing. She continued eating until she was sated.
After she'd finished her meal Emma rounded up her family. "I think it's time you all left. Regina and Isa have had a hard day and they really need their rest."
Henry turned to his Mom, "Do I have to go with them? Can't I stay with you?"
Regina chuckled as she caught he son's chin in her hand, "Not tonight my prince. I think we all need our rest." She kissed his cheek lovingly then turned him toward his grandparents.
The idiots bid their farewells then headed out. When it was just Emma, Regina and Isa again Regina lowered the head of the bed. She lay down with her hand curled under her cheek and stared at the scene in front of her. Emma still hadn't allowed the baby to be set down for a minute. "You can put her in her crib you know. She needs to get used to being in one anyway. Now that she's bathed and fed she should sleep for quite a few hours. It'll be enough for us to get a nap in. We can't hold her every minute of everyday you know."
"But I can try," Emma spoke softly afraid of waking her baby. "I never want to let her go."
Regina smiled and wanted to protest further but her heart really wasn't in it. "When you do," she muttered around a yawn, "then you can crawl into bed with me. You have to be as tired as I am."
Emma's response was to press a soft kiss to her baby's head. She continued to rock her gently as she watched her wife's eyes fall shut. She couldn't explain even to her the overwhelming emotions flooding through her right now. Or the exhilarating feeling she got from holding her daughter in her arms. She had never had a moment like this before. She just knew that it was something she wasn't yet ready to let go of.
"I love you baby girl. And I promise this time, I won't ever let you go. I'm your Ma. That means I protect you from all things, always," Emma kissed her baby and cuddled her closer. She spent the rest of the night alternating staring at her daughter and at her wife. She swore to herself that as long as she had breath in her body, she'd make sure that nothing and no one would ever hurt them again.
SMF
Emma grabbed the suitcase from Regina as soon as she'd zipped it shut. She'd already checked and rechecked Isa's carseat numerous times. She'd followed the instructions to the letter. She'd even gotten some of those window stickers that said baby on board and the stick character family that had 2 adult females, one blonde and one brunette, a male child that had a cape on, and a female baby.
She was taking no chances with this family. She was even contemplating using the siren on their way home.
"I think that's everything," Regina said as she made a final round of the suite. She smiled at Emma expectantly.
Emma gave her wife a kiss before picking up Isa's carrier and walking them out to the new car. Neither had been willing to give up their own cars but they both knew they needed something more for a family.
They had gone with a black Mercedes SUV. For Emma, she had been sold on the extensive safety feature packages. And for Regina it was sleek, beautiful, and had enough luxury features that she didn't feel as if she was trading down from her prized car.
Regina got into the back beside Isa after Emma strapped her in. She smiled patiently and lovingly as Emma nervously kept glancing at the baby trying to gauge how she was handling the short car ride.
When they got to the house Regina walked ahead as Emma got Isa out of the car. She opened the door and walked into the house. She had never been so glad to be home before. She was not a person who enjoyed staying in the hospital under any circumstances. "I'm so happy to be home," she said as she put her keys into her purse. She took off her coat and put them both away inside of the closet.
It was only then that she noticed Emma hadn't moved out of the doorway. She turned toward her puzzled, "What?"
Emma snapped out of the trance she was in as she walked all the way in. She closed the door and put down Regina's bag. She carried Isa straight through to the den before setting her seat down on the coffee table. Regina followed at a slower pace.
It wasn't until Emma had sat down after she pulled Isa out of her carrier and held her close that Regina noticed the tears running down Emma's face. "Emma?! What is it?!" she asked alarmed.
Emma had her face buried in the crook of her daughter's neck. She looked up at Regina with a tear streaked face. "Home. I never thought I would have one of those. But now – because of you – I do. This," she held Isa closer to her. "This is my home."
Regina sat beside her wife. She smiled as she opened her arms wide to embrace her wife and baby. "Always and forever."
Emma looked at her wife and then down at her baby, "Always and forever." She looked back at Regina and nodded, "that sounds like heaven."
***And now we're done. It's been a long road and you all know about my procrastinating tendencies. Sorry about all that but these stories become really personal and it's really hard to let them go. I really loved writing this one. But as usual I have plenty more to help me through the heartache of letting go.
Like I said before, I'm going to be reviving Mother? And Little Girl Lost. I'm also writing a prequel to Je Ne Suis Plus Une Gamine. That one's going to be called Trois Gamines. I got caught up every time I wrote a flashback about their past so I decided to write the prequel that's going to start off with Little Regina and Little Emma. I figured that one will help me get over the end of this one.
Also I'm going to do some one shots of Gigi and Mommy Emma. If there's any suggestions for scenes you'd like to see between them I can't promise anything but I'm open to hearing you out.
Look for more updates during the week. I plan on having all of my posted and the new stories updated by the end of this week. Make sure you check them out :D See ya on the other side. ***